Bus driver: You alone again today? Go get that money, girl! You're making BANK this week!(Yes, I have a close relationship with my bus driver)

Big Boss: Oh, I forgot to put out the side work list. I'm so used to you being by yourself and just doing it all. Oh, just tell J to do the stuff you don't feel like doing today.(J is our new hire...and the only guy FoH. He's trying to be the Alpha Male and...oh, no, honey. Just no.)

Manager Tightpants: You know, half of the managers here are just amazed at your energy and positive attitude.Me: And the other half?MT: Talking about having a betting pool about when you will snap and under what circumstances.

And my week's only half over, folks!

So far, we've had two call outs, a group that, when we said we couldn't cater lunch for 15 that day, placed an order for 15 through Tarheel Takeout (assholes), and the credit card reader go down during the lunch rush.

Oh, and a visit from our friendly neighborhood health inspector (99.5. Not shabby, but we got dinged because NO ONE understands that the plasticware has to go in the bins HANDLE UP. Arrrrgh.)

I've been taking it all in stride ("This is just another chapter for my book" is my new mantra), but i WAS kind of pissed today. I volunteered to come in an hour early to make scads of tea for a catering event...only to find out the night manager had the night staff do it. And they tell US to communicate!?!?!? Arrrgh.

I ended up clocking back out (I could have ridden that clock like a show pony, but my damned ethics won't allow me to get paid for doing nothing. And there is no way I can stretch out the opening duties to two hours. Hell, it only takes me 45 minutes on my worst days), digging the change out of the bottom of my purse--because, of course, this would be the day I sent Kent with the debit card--to buy a piece of chicken at Time Out.

Boy, talk about a highly overrated establishment. I was kind of looking forward to trying it and...bleh. No flavor at all. I mean, I wasn't expecting much from chicken at 8 am at a 24/7 place, but even with aged fried chicken, you can tell if the breading is no more than flour.

All hype, no substance. Phooey.

J, the new hire, may be a problem. He's all macho posturing and attitude. He went out of his way three times today to "casually" mention that he's just out of jail. I have no problem with that, but when you're trying that "Yeah, I'm new here, but I'm a MAN. I'm dangerous" bullshit with me...ain't gonna work.

"Oh, I have to have some milk and sugar in my coffee. I can't drink it black like I did...WHEN I WAS IN JAIL."

Cue me smiling and nodding. "Yeah, I get that. Jail coffee sucks, and you have to sneak that nasty 1% milk and there's no sugar. I used to smuggle in real coffee for my guys because I couldn't stand that shit. And coffee filters, because hairnet coffee is gross."

Pause. Blink. "You were in jail?"

Angelic smile. "No. I was the kitchen manager for the work release program in Northampton County in Pennsylvania. I loved that job, but the coffee sucked. But those were the best guys when we all put our bullshit away. Bullshit posturing annoys me."

If he straightens up, fine. However, making yourself food and sitting down while still on the clock (and half an hour before the end of a four hour shift! Really???) is not going to fly well with me.

*deep breath* In better news, I took an advance on my tips through the household account and ordered the classic nerdblock for this month. It's totally unfair. You say "Labyrinth collectible" and I say "TAKE ALL MY TIPS!!!"

You know, I used to kind of smirk at my friends who get ipsy bags and...what is the other one? And they'd get all excited.

*ahem* Hoisted by my own petard,

Okay. Bed now.I just have three more days to go.

Oh, and thank you, FB memories. 8 years ago today, my grandparents were making a surprise visit and meeting Kent for the first time. Last year, I was praying for Granma to go peacefully and for Grandpa to be able to withstand the blow.